Home › Washington › Yakima

Yakima, Washington

The "Palm Springs of Washington," Yakima enjoys over 300 days of sunshine and sits at the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The Yakima Valley produces 77% of America's hops for beer, along with vast quantities of apples, cherries, and wine grapes from over 120 wineries.

Founded 1884 | Population 96,000 | Peak 96,000 (2024) | County Yakima County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Yakima, Washington

undefined

1884 Incorporated: Yakima was incorporated, growing rapidly after the Northern Pacific Railroad arrived.

undefined

1886 City Moves: The entire town moved four miles north to meet the Northern Pacific Railroad's chosen route — residents literally moved their buildings.

undefined

1933 Irrigation Boom: Federal irrigation projects transformed the arid valley into one of the most productive agricultural regions in America.

undefined

1980 Mount St. Helens Ash: The eruption of Mount St. Helens deposited volcanic ash across Yakima, darkening skies and disrupting life.

undefined

2010 Wine Country Growth: The Yakima Valley AVA grew to over 120 wineries, establishing the region as a premier Washington wine destination.

🧠

How Well Do You Know Yakima?

5 questions • 2 minutes

Take the Quiz →

Latest News in Yakima

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Could $8 Gas Be Coming to California Soon?

Gas prices in Southern California continue their relentless climb, with a stark warning from an expert suggesting that drivers mig…

Suspect Detained After Broad-Daylight Attack in SF

The recent surveillance footage from San Francisco’s Chinatown has exposed a harrowing incident of violence, where a stabbin…

Washington Passes Bill for Noncitizens in Law Enforcement

Washington state has enacted a new law that opens the door for noncitizens to join the ranks of law enforcement and prosecution, m…

Oregon Democrats Block ICE Notification for Felony Convicts

Oregon Democratic senators have unanimously blocked a bill that would have mandated state authorities to notify U.S. Immigration a…

President Trump Faces Backlash After Giving Status Update On The Tariff Dividend Checks

President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected moment of…

Complete Historical Timeline

1884 Government

Incorporated

1886 Culture

City Moves

1933 Industry

Irrigation Boom

1980 Disaster

Mount St. Helens Ash

2010 Culture

Wine Country Growth

Did You Know?

1

Yakima Valley produces about 75% of the hops grown in the United States.

2

The Yakima Valley AVA is one of Washington's premier wine regions.

3

Named for the Yakama Nation, whose reservation is nearby.

4

Yakima is located in Yakima County, Washington.

5

Yakima was founded in 1884.

Famous People from Yakima, Washington

RL

Robert Lucas

Economist · Born Sep 15, 1937 · Died May 15, 2023 (age 85)

KM

Kyle MacLachlan

Actor, Stage Actor · Born Feb 22, 1959 · Age 67

JR

Jim Rohn

Writer, Entrepreneur · Born Sep 17, 1930 · Died Dec 5, 2009 (age 79)

PM

Phil Mahre

Alpine Skier, Racing Automobile Driver · Born May 10, 1957 · Age 68

SK

Sam Kinison

Actor, Preacher · Born Dec 8, 1953 · Died Apr 10, 1992 (age 38)

Other Cities in Washington

View all Washington cities →

Pop. 737,015

Pop. 232,425

Pop. 231,311

Pop. 202,846

Pop. 155,672

Pop. 136,588

See something that needs correcting?

We take accuracy seriously. Help us keep Yakima's history right.